As a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, youth who were in foster care at age 14 and are currently younger than 21 years old are eligible for additional funds as a part of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. Earlier in the pandemic, relief through this program was also available for young people up to age 27. Unfortunately, that extension ended in September 2021 and is now only available to young adults under age 21.
To help foster youth and their advocates through this challenging time, Vanderbilt Law School's Youth Opportunity Clinic – in partnership with Youth Law Center – is pleased to sponsor and maintain this website as a primary resource providing the public with the most current information publicly available about the Tennessee COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Stimulus for Current and Former Foster Youth. Information is also provided for the benefit of the advocates, attorneys, providers and guardians ad litem who care for and about them. Visit the subpage or FAQs for more information.
Remember: Youth placed in foster care through the juvenile justice system are considered foster youth for the purpose of benefits eligibility.
The Tennessee Department of Children's Services administers this pandemic relief program. Interested applicants or their advocates should visit the pandemic relief information page at TN DCS's website for more information and to apply for aid.
The deadline to apply is Septemeber 30, 2022.
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